this is work 801 burnout at work: why 100% effort is killing your performance
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Jan 11, 2026 Phil Wolffe, a workplace wellbeing specialist and founder of Connects Health, shares insights on preventing burnout and enhancing performance. He emphasizes the importance of energy management over time management, explaining how consistent 85% effort yields better results than striving for 100%. Phil recounts his own journey through burnout and discusses its varied causes. He introduces the five types of energy and how recognizing performance patterns can boost efficiency. With practical tips for leaders, Phil highlights building a purpose-driven culture and the power of small, consistent actions.
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Energy Beats Time
- Energy management matters more than time management for preventing fatigue and burnout.
- Focus on how you spend energy across days, not just how you allocate time each day.
Diminishing Returns Of Full Throttle
- Sustained 100% effort yields diminishing returns and reduces long-term output.
- Giving a steady ~85% preserves performance over months and years.
Burnout On A Mine Swing
- Phil Wolffe described burning out while running health programs on a Papua New Guinea mine with extreme hours and no days off.
- He lost the ability to care for his work and resigned shortly after recognizing the signs.
